📝 About This Recipe
This vibrant bowl features tender, bite-sized chicken glazed in a homemade sweet-and-savory teriyaki sauce that is naturally kid-friendly and bursting with flavor. Inspired by the classic Japanese 'Donburi', we have lightened the profile with colorful steamed vegetables and fluffy jasmine rice to create a balanced, wholesome meal. It is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the sticky-sweet texture children love with the nutritious ingredients parents feel great about serving.
🥗 Ingredients
The Rice Base
- 1.5 cups Jasmine Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
- 3 cups Water
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
The Chicken & Veggies
- 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (divided)
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets (cut into small, kid-friendly pieces)
- 1 large Carrots (peeled and sliced into thin rounds or matchsticks)
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (use Tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (adds a lovely gloss)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (finely grated)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced very fine)
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
For Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2 pieces Green Onions (thinly sliced)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed jasmine rice, 3 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
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2
While the rice cooks, prepare the teriyaki sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until the sugar is dissolved.
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3
Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss thoroughly until every piece is lightly and evenly coated; this is the secret to a crispy exterior and a thick sauce.
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4
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and carrots with a splash of water, cover for 2-3 minutes to steam-tenderize, then remove from the pan and set aside.
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5
Wipe the skillet clean and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Increase heat to high and add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren't crowded.
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6
Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side without moving them too much, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through.
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7
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken almost immediately due to the cornstarch on the chicken.
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8
Toss the chicken continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has reduced into a thick, shiny glaze that clings to the meat.
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9
Add the steamed broccoli and carrots back into the skillet with the chicken. Toss gently for 30 seconds just to coat the vegetables in the glaze and warm them through.
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10
Fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork. Divide the rice into four bowls, top with a generous portion of the teriyaki chicken and vegetable mixture, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best flavor, use fresh ginger and garlic rather than powdered versions; you can freeze ginger root and grate it while frozen for easier handling. If the sauce becomes too thick too quickly, simply whisk in a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. To ensure the chicken gets a good sear, pat the meat dry with paper towels before tossing it in the cornstarch. You can swap the chicken for firm tofu or shrimp using the exact same method for a different protein twist. Using low-sodium soy sauce is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty as the sauce reduces.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of chilled cucumber slices marinated in a little rice vinegar and sugar for a refreshing crunch. A small bowl of mild miso soup makes a wonderful traditional accompaniment for a full Japanese-inspired meal. For a fun kid-friendly drink, pair this with a sparkling apple juice or a homemade ginger-honey iced tea. Add a few slices of fresh pineapple into the bowl for an extra pop of tropical sweetness that kids love. Provide training chopsticks for children to make the meal an engaging and educational experience.